Each river cruise and ship has a different itinerary,,,so look at the brochure and it will help explain time in port and time cruising...I like Uniworld out of 8 river cruises...nice rooms and good food...if you like scenery and quaint cities, try Portugal...France for great towns,Russia for history,Egypt for going back in time,etc....lovely way to see a country and like a hotel that follows you along...have plenty of time to see sights as ship docks in city center and can go off on own or take ship s tour...even if it travels at nite ,,,can sit on top deck with drink and still enjoy it all...give it a try and you ll be hooked...PS.also love ocean cruises,,,just different,,,no problem with rough seas,etc...